A spirited gift guide

If you’ve got someone on your gift list that is developing a taste for better beers but may not know what to try, a Beer of the Month club subscription is a good way to introduce them to new styles. Most clubs avoid extreme or unusual beer styles in their base subscriptions, so they’re suitable for someone who’s just building up a taste for craft beers. There are also subscriptions that deliver hard-to-get beers for the more experienced craft-beer lover. $24-$34 per month, beermonthclub.com (Courtesy photo) less

If you’ve got someone on your gift list that is developing a taste for better beers but may not know what to try, a Beer of the Month club subscription is a good way to introduce them to new styles. Most ... more

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For the ice-cube snob on your list, check out this 2" Square Ice Cube Tray at at CocktailKingdom.com. Other varieties include a 1.25" Square Ice Cube Tray, 2" Ice Ball Mold and Collins Ice Mold. $6.95 (Courtesy photo)
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For the ice-cube snob on your list, check out this 2" Square Ice Cube Tray at at CocktailKingdom.com. Other varieties include a 1.25" Square Ice Cube Tray, 2" Ice Ball Mold and Collins Ice Mold. $6.95 ... more

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Homebrewing is a bourgeoning hobby in America, with an estimated 1 million Americans making their own beer. Even the president’s White House chefs are brewing their own beer. For the person who wants to get into the hobby, the best way to gather all the essentials is a starter kit. Available locally from San Antonio Hombrew Supply or Home Brew Party and various online sources, such as austinhomebrew.com, prices range $70-$120, depending on how complete the kit is. less

Homebrewing is a bourgeoning hobby in America, with an estimated 1 million Americans making their own beer. Even the president’s White House chefs are brewing their own beer. For the person who wants to get ... more

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In this day and age when anyone can find almost anything on the Internet, it’s gotten harder to find a unique gift. A locally made beer is an excellent choice that you won’t find just anywhere. Ranger Creek’s Small Batch Series beers are limited production batches that are aged in oak barrels for six months before bottling. The latest, No. 3, is an English-style Barleywine. It’s available at better liquor and grocery stores around town for about $6. No. 2, a saison, is also still available at some stores. (Markus Haas / San Antonio Express-News) less

In this day and age when anyone can find almost anything on the Internet, it’s gotten harder to find a unique gift. A locally made beer is an excellent choice that you won’t find just anywhere. Ranger ... more

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Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling also makes a great small cask bourbon. The American Distilling Institute awarded a bronze medal to Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon Whiskey that's barrel-aged in a large shipping container in San Antonio. $35 at most local liquor stores. (Courtesy photo) less

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling also makes a great small cask bourbon. The American Distilling Institute awarded a bronze medal to Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon Whiskey that's barrel-aged in a large ... more

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This beautifully illustrated 250-page book examines beer brewing and drinking traditions from individual countries or regions all over the world. It’s a rich source of information on the independent craft breweries to be found and also gives mini-reviews of many beers in almost any style found around the world. Suggested price $30, $19 at Amazon.com. (Courtesy Sterling Publishing) less

This beautifully illustrated 250-page book examines beer brewing and drinking traditions from individual countries or regions all over the world. It’s a rich source of information on the independent craft ... more

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Make Moscow Mule Monday possible with this Fountain Jet Soda Stater kit that can make ginger beer and other sodas at home. The 60-liter carbonator also allows
$99.95 at sodastreamusa.com; sale pricing at target.com, kohls.com and other online retailers (Courtesy photo) less

Make Moscow Mule Monday possible with this Fountain Jet Soda Stater kit that can make ginger beer and other sodas at home. The 60-liter carbonator also allows
$99.95 at sodastreamusa.com; sale pricing at ... more

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This family of aerators from Vinturi allows wines and spirits to breath quickly to bring out flavors when there is no time to decant. Simply pour the liquid through the aerator into a glass. Varieties include one for spirits, travel, and white and red wines. Available in most housewares sections and online; prices vary depending on style, $29.95-$70. (Courtesy Vinturi) less

This family of aerators from Vinturi allows wines and spirits to breath quickly to bring out flavors when there is no time to decant. Simply pour the liquid through the aerator into a glass. Varieties include ... more

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Keep white wine from getting warm with this cute and convenient Corkcicle gadget that is on Oprah's list of favorite things. Pair it with a bottle or two of wine to complete the perfect gift. The product description inc ludes the instructions: Place Corkcicle in the freezer for at least two hours. Insert it into any bottle of wine (after 1 glass has been poured) to maintain chilled white wine or to bring up red wines to their perfect temperature. $22.95 at uncommongoods.com. (Courtesy Corkcicle) less

Keep white wine from getting warm with this cute and convenient Corkcicle gadget that is on Oprah's list of favorite things. Pair it with a bottle or two of wine to complete the perfect gift. The product ... more